HI SB494

Requires persons charged with operating a vehicle under the influence (HRS §291E-61 or §291E-61.5) to wear a continuous alcohol monitoring device for at least 90 days if they have a prior conviction for the same offense within five years or have pending criminal charges for a prior DUI offense.

Mandates initial court appearance within five business days of arrest and bail release, at which the court orders the device and sets conditions prohibiting alcohol consumption, device removal, obstruction, or tampering.

Allows courts to extend the monitoring period beyond 90 days as necessary for community safety but prohibits shortening or suspending the period.

Requires the arrested person to pay all costs associated with the monitoring device, though prosecuting attorneys and the attorney general must contract with vendors to provide financial assistance to eligible low-income individuals receiving food stamps, Older Americans Act services, or Developmentally Disabled Assistance services.

Violation of monitoring conditions results in bail being reset at the same or higher amount with no vacation or reinstatement of forfeited bail; effective date is January 7, 2059.